Two rams had hooves which were so overgrown they were unable to stand, and horns so overgrown they had impaired their vision.

Animal carcasses were found around his farm, and pigs were found deprived of water and covered in blood from fighting each other.

The squalor was only discovered in February, 2009, when an animal welfare inspector visited to talk to Tweed about an overdue tuberculosis test which is compulsory for livestock.

On subsequent visits in March, 2009, inspectors found improvements but found animal welfare on the farm to be sub-standard.

Mitigating counsel Matthew Bean said Tweed has been an award-winning pig farmer and livestock competition judge who had fallen on hard times.

An accident 15 months ago, in which he had broken five ribs and contracted a lung infection, coupled with domestic problems had made him unable to take adequate care of his animals.

Chairing the panel Recorder Bury said: “Mr Tweed’s own attitude is such that disqualification is justified and appropriate. Not all the requests made by the council have been complied with. It seems Mr Tweed is only prepared to comply with the requests he feels are appropriate.

“It is quite plain to us Mr Tweed is not cash rich and in that event he has not been able to carry out improvements.

“In these circumstances we take the view there is a continuing risk of animals under Mr Tweed’s ownership being subject to neglect. But 10 years is too long. We have a duty to provide adequate protection for animals and with that in mind we feel that five years is appropriate.

“Mr Tweed will continue to farm if he is prepared to work with the local authority and comply with those requests if and when they are made.”

A spokesman for Kirklees Council said: “The sentence still reflects the number and severity of offences committed by Mr Tweed.

“Kirklees animal health officers will continue to take action against people who breach animal health and welfare legislation and if necessary we will continue taking cases to court.”